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Writer's pictureCarver Canines

Pet-Friendly Holiday Hosting: What Food to Serve (and Avoid) for your Furry Guests

Updated: Dec 22, 2023

When hosting for the holidays and considering food for your dog, it's essential to be aware of what foods are safe and which ones can be harmful to your furry friend.


Here's a general guideline:




Foods to avoid giving your dog



 

Foods Your Dog Can Eat:

Lean Meats: Cooked turkey or chicken without seasoning or bones is generally safe for dogs.

It's generally recommended to cook lean meats before giving them to your dog.

Cooking the meat helps eliminate harmful bacteria that could potentially cause illness in your pet. Cooked lean meats like turkey, chicken, or beef (without seasoning or spices) can be safe and a good source of protein for your dog.


Raw meat may carry bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli, which can pose health risks to both pets and humans. Cooking the meat thoroughly reduces the risk of bacterial contamination, making it safer for your dog to consume.


When preparing meat for your dog, avoid using any seasoning, spices, or added oils, as these can upset your dog's stomach or even be harmful to them. Offering plain, unseasoned cooked meat in moderation can be a nice treat for your furry friend during the holiday season.

 

Vegetables: There are several vegetables that can be a healthy addition to your dog's diet. Here's a list of dog-friendly vegetables:


  1. Carrots: Crunchy and low in calories, carrots are rich in vitamins and good for your dog's teeth.

  2. Green Beans: A good source of fiber and low in calories, providing essential nutrients.

  3. Pumpkin: Low in fat and high in fiber, it can aid in digestion for dogs. Ensure it's plain pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling.

  4. Sweet Potatoes: High in fiber and vitamins, sweet potatoes are good for digestive health.

  5. Broccoli: Contains fiber and vitamin C. Give it in moderation as excessive consumption can cause stomach upset.

  6. Zucchini: Low in calories and a source of vitamins and minerals.

  7. Peas: Provide vitamins, minerals, and are a source of protein.

When giving vegetables to your dog, it's important to prepare them properly. Vegetables should be thoroughly washed to remove any pesticides or dirt. You can serve them steamed, boiled, or raw, depending on your dog's preferences and digestive tolerance.


Avoid adding any seasoning, spices, or oils as they can upset your dog's stomach.


Remember, while vegetables can be a healthy addition to your dog's diet, they shouldn't replace a balanced dog food diet. Introduce new vegetables gradually and in small amounts to ensure they don't cause any digestive issues for your pet.


If you're unsure about a specific vegetable, it's always a good idea to consult with your veterinarian to ensure it's safe for your dog.

 

Plain Potatoes: Dogs can eat plain potatoes in moderation. Potatoes can be a source of vitamins and minerals for dogs. However, there are a few things to keep in mind.


  1. Plain Potatoes: Plain, cooked, and unseasoned potatoes (both white and sweet potatoes) are safe for dogs to eat in moderation.

  2. Avoid Seasonings: Do not add any seasonings, spices, butter, salt, or oils when preparing potatoes for your dog. These additions can be harmful to your pet.

  3. Moderation is Key: Potatoes should not become a significant part of your dog's diet. They can be given occasionally as a treat or mixed in with their regular food.

  4. Be Mindful of the Form: Raw potatoes and potato skins can be difficult for dogs to digest and might cause stomach upset. Always feed your dog cooked potatoes, and ensure they are served plain without any added ingredients.

Sweet potatoes or plain mashed potatoes without added seasoning are okay in moderation.

Potatoes are a source of carbohydrates and some nutrients for dogs, but they should not replace the nutrition provided by a balanced dog food diet.


If you have any concerns or if your dog has any health conditions, it's a good idea to consult your veterinarian before introducing new foods into their diet, including potatoes.


What is Xylitol and why is it bad for my dog?





German Shepard - Lab Mix

 

Plain Rice or Pasta: Dogs can eat plain, cooked rice or pasta in moderation. Here are some guidelines for offering these foods to your dog:


Rice:

  • Plain White or Brown Rice: Both white and brown rice are safe for dogs to consume. They can be a good source of carbohydrates and can help settle a dog's stomach if they're experiencing digestive issues.

  • Cooked and Unseasoned: Ensure that the rice is thoroughly cooked and doesn't contain any added seasonings, spices, or sauces that could upset your dog's stomach.

  • Moderation: Rice should not make up a significant portion of your dog's diet but can be given occasionally.

Pasta:

  • Plain Pasta: Plain, cooked pasta without any seasonings or sauces can be safe for dogs.

  • Simple Shapes: Choose simpler pasta shapes without added ingredients like garlic or onions. Avoid pasta with sauces or spices.

  • Cooked and Unseasoned: Like rice, ensure the pasta is thoroughly cooked and free from added seasonings or ingredients that might be harmful to your dog.

  • Moderation: Pasta should also be given in moderation and not replace your dog's regular diet.

It's important to note that while rice and pasta can be safe for dogs, they are not nutritionally essential in a dog's diet. They should be considered occasional treats rather than staples. Always introduce new foods gradually and watch for any signs of digestive upset or allergic reactions.


If your dog has specific dietary needs or health conditions, it's wise to consult with your veterinarian before adding new foods, like rice or pasta, to their diet plan.


 

Fruits: Dogs can enjoy certain fruits as healthy treats, but it's crucial to offer them in moderation and ensure they are prepared properly. Here's a list of fruits that are generally safe for dogs:

  1. Apples: Remove seeds and the core as they contain cyanide, which is toxic. Sliced apples (without seeds) can be a crunchy, vitamin-rich treat.

  2. Blueberries: These are rich in antioxidants and make for a great low-calorie snack for dogs. They can be given fresh or frozen.

  3. Watermelon: Remove seeds and rind before offering. Fresh watermelon, without seeds or rind, can be a hydrating treat during warmer months.

  4. Strawberries: High in fiber and vitamin C, strawberries are safe for dogs. Remove the stem before offering.

  5. Bananas: This fruit is a good source of potassium and vitamins. However, it's high in sugar, so offer it in moderation. Bananas are a great training treat or occasional snack.

Remember these important points when giving fruits to your dog:

  • Always remove any seeds, pits, or cores as they might contain harmful substances or could be a choking hazard.

  • Introduce new fruits gradually and in small amounts to ensure they don't cause any digestive issues.

  • Moderation is key. Fruits should be given as occasional treats and not a substantial part of your dog's diet.

While these fruits are generally safe for dogs, every dog's tolerance to different foods can vary. If you have any doubts or concerns, it's best to consult your veterinarian before introducing new fruits or any other food into your dog's diet.


Puppy looking up

 

Foods Your Dog Should Avoid:

Chocolate: Chocolate contains substances called theobromine and caffeine, both of which are toxic to dogs. Theobromine, in particular, is metabolized much more slowly in dogs compared to humans, leading to its accumulation in their system and causing adverse effects.


Here's why chocolate is harmful to dogs:


  1. Toxic Substances: Theobromine and caffeine can cause various symptoms, including vomiting, diarrhea, rapid breathing, increased heart rate, tremors, seizures, and in severe cases, it can even be fatal.

  2. Type of Chocolate Matters: Dark chocolate and unsweetened baking chocolate contain higher amounts of theobromine compared to milk chocolate. Thus, smaller quantities of dark chocolate can be more toxic than the same amount of milk chocolate.

  3. Dog Sensitivity: The sensitivity to theobromine can vary from dog to dog based on factors like size, age, health condition, and individual tolerance. Some dogs may experience severe symptoms even with small amounts of chocolate, while others might handle it slightly better.

It's crucial to keep chocolate and any foods containing chocolate (such as cakes, cookies, or candies) away from dogs. Even small amounts can potentially lead to serious health issues. If you suspect your dog has consumed chocolate, contact your veterinarian immediately.


Provide information about the type and amount of chocolate ingested and follow their advice, which might include monitoring your dog or seeking immediate medical attention depending on the situation.


 

Grapes and Raisins: Can cause kidney failure in some dogs.


Grapes and raisins are known to be highly toxic to dogs, even in small amounts. The exact substance in grapes and raisins that causes toxicity is still unknown, but ingestion can lead to severe and potentially fatal kidney failure in dogs.


Symptoms of grape or raisin toxicity in dogs can include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, decreased urine production, and in severe cases, acute kidney failure, which can be life-threatening.


It's crucial to keep grapes, raisins, and any foods containing them out of reach of your dog. This includes raisin bread, trail mixes, baked goods, and other food items that might contain these ingredients. Even a small amount can pose a risk to your dog's health.


If you suspect your dog has consumed grapes or raisins, contact your veterinarian immediately, even if your dog isn't showing symptoms yet. Prompt veterinary care is essential to prevent or minimize potential kidney damage. Early intervention can significantly improve the outcome for your dog.


 

Onions and Garlic: Can damage red blood cells and cause anemia.


Both onions and garlic belong to the Allium family and contain compounds that can be harmful to dogs. These compounds, such as thiosulphate, can cause damage to a dog's red blood cells, leading to a condition called hemolytic anemia.


Symptoms of onion or garlic toxicity in dogs may not appear immediately and can include vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, lethargy, pale gums, increased heart rate, difficulty breathing, and in severe cases, collapse.


It's important to be cautious about giving any foods that contain onion or garlic, including cooked dishes, sauces, or seasonings. These ingredients can be hidden in various foods, so always read labels carefully and ensure that your dog doesn't have access to any dishes seasoned with onion or garlic.


If you suspect your dog has ingested onions, garlic, or any foods containing them, contact your veterinarian immediately for guidance. Treatment for onion or garlic toxicity in dogs may involve supportive care, such as inducing vomiting, administering activated charcoal, and providing fluids and other medical interventions as necessary. Early intervention is crucial to prevent complications.


 


Xylitol: Found in many sugar-free products, can cause a sudden release of insulin, leading to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) in dogs.


Xylitol is a sugar alcohol commonly used as a sugar substitute in a variety of products, including sugar-free gum, candies, baked goods, toothpaste, peanut butter, and certain medications or supplements. While it's safe for humans, xylitol can be extremely toxic to dogs.


Here's why xylitol is harmful to dogs:


  1. Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar): Xylitol causes a rapid release of insulin in dogs, leading to a sudden drop in blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia). This can happen within 10-60 minutes after ingestion. Symptoms of hypoglycemia in dogs include weakness, vomiting, lethargy, lack of coordination, seizures, and collapse.

  2. Liver Damage: In addition to hypoglycemia, xylitol toxicity can lead to liver failure, which can occur within a few days after ingestion. This can result in severe complications and can be life-threatening for dogs.

Xylitol toxicity in dogs can occur even with small amounts of the substance. The severity of the toxicity depends on the amount ingested relative to the dog's size and the concentration of xylitol in the product.

It's crucial to keep all products containing xylitol out of reach of your dog.


Always read ingredient labels, especially on sugar-free or "diet" products. Even a small amount of xylitol, such as the amount found in a few pieces of gum or a tablespoon of certain sugar-free peanut butter brands, can be dangerous for dogs.


If you suspect your dog has ingested xylitol, seek immediate veterinary care. Treatment for xylitol poisoning may involve inducing vomiting, administering activated charcoal, providing supportive care to manage hypoglycemia, and monitoring liver function.


Early intervention is vital to improve the chances of a positive outcome for your dog.

 

Bones: Cooked bones can splinter and cause internal injuries or blockages.

Feeding bones to dogs can be a contentious topic. While some types of bones might seem like a natural treat for dogs, there are significant risks associated with giving them bones, especially cooked bones.


Here's an overview:


Cooked Bones:


  • Avoid Cooked Bones: Cooked bones, whether from poultry, beef, or other sources, can become brittle and splinter easily when chewed. These splinters can cause serious harm to your dog's mouth, throat, digestive tract, and may lead to choking, internal injuries, or blockages.

Raw Bones:


  • Raw Bones with Caution: Some proponents of raw diets for dogs suggest raw bones, like raw beef bones or raw chicken frames, can be safe and provide dental benefits. However, there are still risks of choking, gastrointestinal blockages, or bacterial contamination associated with raw bones.

  • Supervision is Key: If you choose to offer raw bones, supervise your dog closely to ensure they are chewing them safely and not breaking them into small pieces.

Safer Alternatives:


  • Safer chew alternatives like specifically designed dog chew toys or dental chews can provide dental benefits without the risks associated with bones. Look for products labeled as safe for dogs and recommended by veterinarians.

It's important to consider your individual dog's chewing habits, dental health, and any potential health risks when deciding whether to offer bones.


Always consult your veterinarian before introducing bones or any new treats into your dog's diet, especially if your dog has a history of gastrointestinal issues or other health concerns. Supervision is crucial whenever your dog is given any type of bone or chew to prevent accidents or injuries.



Charlie the Beagle

 

Other Considerations:

  • Fatty Foods: Avoid feeding your dog rich, fatty foods like turkey skin or gravy, as they can cause pancreatitis.


  • Alcohol: Keep alcoholic beverages away from pets. They can cause intoxication, coma, or even death.


  • Dairy Products: Some dogs are lactose intolerant, so dairy products might cause digestive issues.


Always supervise your dog around food, and if you're unsure whether something is safe, it's best to avoid giving it to them. If your dog accidentally consumes something potentially toxic, contact your vet or an emergency animal clinic immediately.

Additionally, keep your dog's regular diet in mind and try not to introduce too many new foods at once, as sudden changes can upset their stomach.

Lastly, while holiday gatherings can be exciting, the hustle and bustle might stress your pet. Ensure they have a quiet, safe space to retreat to if needed, away from loud noises or unfamiliar guests.



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